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Promises of transformation: just how different are international development NGOs?

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  • Chris Mowles

    (Red Kite Partners and University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK)

Abstract

This article argues that there is a growing convergence between development INGOs and private sector organisations in the way that values are taken up as an instrument of management. Rather than promoting the exploration of difference, managers encourage employees to set aside their concerns and have faith in the organisational mission. In this way they exercise control without appearing to do so, and avoid dealing with the day to day difficulty of undertaking the work. Instead managers feel obliged to promise transformation, because of the increased marketisation and professionalisation of development. The article offers an alternative understanding of values as a profoundly social phenomenon requiring reflection and negotiation through and with others. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Mowles, 2007. "Promises of transformation: just how different are international development NGOs?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 19(3), pages 401-411.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:19:y:2007:i:3:p:401-411
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1371
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alan Thomas, 1996. "What is development management?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 8(1), pages 95-110.
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    Cited by:

    1. Duval, Anne-Marie & Gendron, Yves & Roux-Dufort, Christophe, 2015. "Exhibiting nongovernmental organizations: Reifying the performance discourse through framing power," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 31-53.
    2. Chris Mowles & Ralph Stacey & Douglas Griffin, 2008. "What contribution can insights from the complexity sciences make to the theory and practice of development management?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 20(6), pages 804-820.
    3. Dhanani, Alpa, 2019. "Identity constructions in the annual reports of international development NGOs: Preserving institutional interests?," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 59(C), pages 1-31.

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